If you’re new to poker, you might be asking yourself: “Which poker game is right for me?”
You’ve come to the right place.
Sit and Go (SNG) tournaments and cash games use the same Texas Hold’em poker rules but they’re two completely different formats that require separate strategies for success. Both have unique advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to understand the differences to determine which is best for you.
Keep reading to learn about differences between SNG tournaments and cash games, the pros and cons, and strategies for each.
Differences Between Sit and Go Tournaments and Cash Games
SNG tournaments are on-demand poker tournaments with a fixed buy-in and immediately start when a preset number of players are seated.
Cash games are a type of poker game where you buy chips with money and you’re free to come and go anytime.
Here are some key differences between SNG tournaments and cash games.
| SNG Tournaments | Cash Games | |
| Playing time | Games start when the required number of players are seated. Depending on the format, a game can take between 20-60 minutes. | No start or end time. You can enter and leave games whenever you want. |
| Opponents | Typically 2, 6, or 9 players. The number of opponents you play against are reduced as players are eliminated. | You play against a constant number of opponents and tables usually have 6-10 players. |
| Blinds | Blinds increase every few minutes until there’s 1 player remaining. | Blinds remain constant. |
| Re-buy | You can’t buy back into an SNG tournament—once you lose all your chips, you’re done. | You can always buy back into the game if you’ve lost your stack. |
| Buy-ins and profits | There’s a fixed buy-in amount and you receive a set amount of chips. The top finishers at the table (usually top 2 or 3) win a share of the prize pool. | You buy chips with money and your profit is based on how many chips you collect from other opponents. |
Pros and Cons
Both SNG tournaments and cash games are fun to play and can be highly profitable—but each format comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
SNG tournaments offer a quicker, more structured gameplay. This is ideal if you have limited time or a smaller bankroll. However, this also requires a strong understanding of endgame strategy and the ability to navigate short-handed and heads-up play.
Cash games allow for more flexibility—you can join and leave anytime. While cash games offer the potential for big wins in a single hand, they also demand a deeper understanding of post-flop play and can require a larger bankroll to absorb the inevitable swings.
SNG Tournaments
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast-paced gameplay that can be completed in a short amount of time. | Limited control over the length of the tournament which can be a disadvantage if you have other time commitments. |
| Fixed buy-in and a predetermined payout structure which makes it easier to manage your bankroll. | No opportunity to win more money than the predetermined payout structure. |
| Limited number of players which can increase your chances of finishing in the money. | Limited opportunities to exploit weaker players since the tournament format encourages tight play. |
| Reduced variance compared to cash games since you are playing for a fixed prize pool. |
Cash Games
| Pros | Cons |
| Greater flexibility as you can join or leave at any time. | Increased variance due to the number of hands played and the number of players at the table. |
| The ability to control the length of your playing session. | Longer playing sessions may require greater stamina and concentration. |
| No limit to the amount of money you can win, allowing you to take advantage of your skills and strategies. | Requires more discipline to manage your bankroll as there’s no limit to the amount of money that can be lost. |
| Greater opportunities to exploit weaker players since you can play against the same opponents for an extended period. | Requires more discipline to manage your bankroll as there’s no limit to the amount of money that can be lost. |
Skill Sets Required
SNGs tournaments and cash games require different sets of skills to be successful.
| SNG Tournaments | Cash Games |
| SNGs tournaments are known for their fast-paced gameplay and short stack sizes, which requires a solid understanding of push/fold strategy. Push/fold strategy involves knowing when to go all-in with your remaining chips or fold and wait for a better hand. In SNG tournaments, you can often find yourself in situations where you have to make quick decisions with limited information. The ability to read your opponents quickly is essential. Mastering late-game play is also crucial, as the payout structure is heavily weighted towards the final positions. | Cash games offer a deeper stack size, allowing for more play after the flop which requires a stronger emphasis on post-flop play. In cash games, you need to develop a solid understanding of player tendencies, such as identifying whether an opponent is aggressive or passive, tight or loose, and adjust your play style accordingly. Game dynamics, such as position and table image, also play a crucial role. You can play against the same opponents for long hours, making it easier to identify patterns in their play style. |
Long-Term Profitability
Your earning potential from SNG tournaments and cash games can vary significantly based on your skill level, bankroll management, and volume of play.
SNG tournaments provide a structured format with a clear beginning, middle, and end, leading to a more predictable and less risky environment.
Cash games offer higher earnings due to no upper limit on the number of chips you can win. But this can also carry higher risk as there’s no defined end.
| SNG Tournaments | Cash Games |
| A fixed payout structure can make it easier to manage your bankroll and plan your long-term profitability. SNG tournaments typically have a smaller buy-in and are accessible to players with limited bankrolls. This allows you to develop your skills without risking too much money. Since there are a fixed number of players, there’s less variance in the long run which can make SNG tournaments more profitable if you’re consistent. | The profitability potential is higher because there is no limit to the amount of money you can win. Since cash games can be played for an indefinite amount of time, there’s more opportunities for you to develop a deep understanding of your opponents’ playing style and tendencies. There’s more opportunities to exploit weaker players since you can play against them for an extended period and adjust your strategy accordingly. |
Choosing Between SNG Tournaments and Cash Games
So, which should you play?
Well, that comes down to your individual goals, skill set, time commitment, personal preferences—and most importantly, the one you enjoy playing the most!
If you’re just starting out, SNG tournaments might be a safer option as you can control your bankroll and practice your skills without risking too much money. However, if you have the time and resources to study and practice, cash games offer more potential earnings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with both and see which one you prefer.
At the end of the day, poker should be a fun game and you should play the format you enjoy the most. This enjoyment factor gives you a psychological edge that contributes to your long term success.
And remember, the journey to becoming a skilled poker player is a marathon, not a sprint.
Start Playing SNG Tournaments Today
Want to start playing SNG tournaments?
Hop into the ICE Poker Arcade app to start practicing your skills in low-stakes SNG tournaments.
